Tartu College is a very important place for the Estonian community of Canada. It’s the home of Eesti Elu / Estonian Life newspaper, VEMU Estonian Museum Canada, numerous academic organizations, and is also a place where many university students in Toronto reside.
As Tartu College celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, we wanted to introduce readers to the people who make this place thrive. This time, we're speaking with Ethan Shkut—a recent Bachelor of Music graduate with minors in English and Creative Writing, whose experience at Tartu College solidified his path towards a future in musicology.
(Interview by Vincent Teetsov)
Please tell us who you are using just five words. And then tell us why you chose those words.
Some selections for the best words that describe myself would be: empathetic, theatrical, hardworking, adventurous and nostalgic. These words not only comprise the elements of my name and its essence, but also describe the attributes I strive for.
I aim to show empathy towards my friends and community members to ensure general wellbeing, I aim to be theatrical to add colour to everyday life and to proudly present what I have to offer. I aim to be hardworking to meet many of the goals I have in life. I aim to be adventurous and maintain a sense of curiosity for new experiences and new adventures. And I aim to be nostalgic by remembering the things that have stuck with me through life and the formative times of my youth, to carry those positive things throughout my life.
Where did you grow up and what are the most impactful moments of your early years?
I grew up in North Carolina, after my family moved there from San Diego when I was three. If I had to pick, some of the most formative years of my life would be high school. There, with the help of my teachers, I developed my literary voice and my knowledge of music theory and various other arts. I also really began to understand what it is that I want in the future and how I would get to where I am today. With this knowledge of myself, I maintain that there is still a long road ahead for me to travel.
If I knew more about Tartu College from graduation, it would very likely be my choice of residence from year one… [it's] a positive atmosphere, which allows me to express myself with my community…
(Ethan Shkut)
What brought you to Tartu College?
I first heard about Tartu College in my second year of university when I, along with a group of friends, conspired to get a suite together for our third year. Unfortunately, this plan was abandoned by my friends, and I unknowingly jumped ship with them. Having known what I know now about Tartu College and all it has to offer, I would have stuck with the plan to move into Tartu from the beginning.
Having lived in Tartu College for a year now, I reflect on the economic freedom, the positive environment, and the generally higher quality of living it has given me. In point of fact, If I knew more about Tartu College from graduation, it would very likely be my choice of residence from year one. Having spent three years at Victoria College, a university-sponsored residence, I can safely say that those three years not only paled in comparison to the one year I have spent in Tartu College, but were frankly downright injurious to a positive university experience.
It was after the first semester of my third year that I finally had enough and decided to take the road not taken, as written by Robert Frost. And it has made all the difference. At Tartu College, I have enjoyed the economic freedom of a meal plan and have had the option to eat at Master’s Buffeteria, which offers food of a much higher standard; a positive atmosphere, which allows me to express myself with my community; and a comfortable living condition that ensures the necessities of a comfortable domain.
To make a long story short, I can say that Tartu College has virtually saved me from the various issues I faced at Victoria and has salvaged my last year of university. To every incoming freshman in university, I exhort you to not let the cobblestones or fancy quads of the university-sponsored residences deceive you the way they did for me. For a truly positive university experience, stay at Tartu College, a residence worthy of its slogan; your home away from home.
What are you studying at the moment?
Currently, I have just finished my Bachelor of Music Program with minors in English and Creative Writing. Upon completion of my gap year, I hope to continue my studies in Musicology for both my Master’s and PhD.
What is the most interesting/fun thing about Tartu College for you?
One of the most exciting opportunities of Tartu College is getting to meet new suitemates who are often here on exchange from other universities. In one semester alone, my suite consisted of friends from Canada, Italy, Denmark, Japan, and Türkiye. Colloquially, we even nicknamed our suite the “UN Suite.”
Choose one photo that is important to you and tell us the story behind the photo.
This photo was taken of me when I was fifteen. During this time, there were still a lot of things I was trying to figure out in my life. Looking at this picture now reminds me of where I came from and how far I’ve come since then.
… age does not need to be a barrier for such youthful fancies. So even in a secure job, I still look forward to living quite akin to the way I do now at twenty-three.
(Ethan Shkut)
Tartu College is turning fifty-five years old this year. Thinking ahead to the future, where do you see yourself when you're fifty-five years old?
My goal for fifty-five is to hopefully be a professor in Europe, where I can enjoy both stability but also maintain the youthful sense of adventure I hold now. There is a common misbegotten idea about “settling down” once we reach a certain age, where we must give up on everything vibrant and exciting. Thankfully, one of my favourite shows, The Golden Girls, alongside my frequent visits to the nightclub, remind me that age does not need to be a barrier for such youthful fancies. So even in a secure job, I still look forward to living quite akin to the way I do now at twenty-three.
Finally, to pay it forward, is there anyone you think we should speak to next from within the Tartu College community? Please tell us why you chose them.
There are two fellow Tartu College community members I nominate for your next interview. One would be my Estonian professor, Dr. Kadri Tüür, who has been instrumental in educating me in the Estonian language, culture, and lifestyle. It is from her efforts that I can expect a much easier transition to a new life in Estonia.
My second nominee is my landlady, Juta Kruusmäe who has also been instrumental in assisting my language development and ensuring opportunities to participate in the Tartu College community, through scholarships and volunteer positions.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
